Definition of: asbestos

(as·bes′təs, az-) noun
1. A white or lightgray mineral, obtained chiefly from actinolite and amphibole, occurring in long slender needles or fibrous masses which may be woven or shaped into acid-resisting, nonconducting, and fireproof articles: also called earthflax, mountain cork.
2. A fireproof curtain, as in a theater.
—adjective Pertaining to, containing, or made of asbestos. Also as·bes′·tus. [<L <Gk., unquenchable <a- not + sbennynai quench; orig. applied to quicklime]
—as·bes·ti·form (as·bes′tə·fôrm, az-) adjective
—as·bes·tine (as·bes′tin, az-), as·bes′tic adjective